Catching River - by Dad

I know what the world's idea of manliness is. 

This story may not fit the narrative 

Nevertheless it's my favorite story I've ever participated in.

It was a Friday morning.

My wife woke me and told me "we're having a baby today".

Thoughts rushed through my head, a rush of adrenaline hit me and my mission was to make everything as smooth for my wife as possible.

First, I needed a shower. 

That was done in relatively record time and then my wife needed her shower.

We both wanted to make sure we looked "ok" because there were going to be tons of pictures :-) 

And there are.

While Vivian was in the shower I realized the birth tub was cold!!! 

NOOOOOOOO!!! 

boiling water and many pots to get the tub to at least body temperature.

Since the birth tub was situated in our bathroom it was easy to bail buckets of water out and refill with hot water.

Crises somewhat averted.

Then all these wonderful women showed up at our house.

Taking care of the home and the already been born children.

It was spectacular.

I could then focus totally on what my wife needed.

The thing is that I kinda just go on stand by until things get going good.

I leave her be so she can concentrate on her body and what it's saying. 

I monitored the birth tub water temperature.

Walked around

Made a million trips up and down the stairs. 

I'd check on her and let her know that I noticed she was still pregnant.

I finally was band from saying that ever again.

I heeded :-)

In the old testament there is a phrase used that captures what I mean.

So if this was written in third person it would go like this 

"His wife told him he was no longer allowed to say you're still pregnant. And Paul hearkened unto his wife"

I try to keep our moods light without stepping over the line.

I think it's important to make my wife smile.

Especially when she's carrying such a burden as birthing our son.

So finally I see in my wife's face the thing I've been looking for all morning.  Her look of "ok it's getting intense.

She ushers herself to the water. 

I stay out side for a while.

Monitoring the temperature 

And monitoring how far along Vivian is.

I decide it's time for me to change into my swimming trunks.

I walk back into the bathroom and my lovely wife says "you should change and get ready"

I just looked at her beautiful eyes.

I got in.

My role now is coach.

Encouraging her

Telling her she's got this

Telling her we're going to see our son soon

Telling her to lean on me

Telling her to breathe

Telling her she's beautiful

It's all true and it all works

All at the same time our hearts bond even closer.  I feel her needs and I try to give her my strength.

It's the most intimate thing

I can tell she has started pushing

I can also tell things were not happening fast enough for her.

She told me she wanted out of the water and to go to the bed.

I reminded her that she probably didn't want that but I got out of the tub to help her to the bed anyway 

As I was standing there dripping wet she looks up and says "maybe not" as she goes into another push.

I get back in

After a few more attempts she decides she wants the birth stool.

Now this throws a big kink in what I pictured would be a water birth similar to the way it was with Asa.

I wasn't prepared for catching a baby on dry land.

I had to shake myself and regain my focus. I had to remind myself that this is her moment.

This is where she shines through. 

So,  after she is positioned on the birth stool.  I position myself like I'm a catcher at a major league baseball game.

I'm in a squatting position 

My imaginary hat is on backwards and I'm ready for whatever is thrown. Curve, fast ball, slider,  knuckle ball WHAT EVER I was ready.

I seen him start to crown.

I'm telling my wife she's ALMOST DONE 

ALMOST THERE 

KEEP GOING HONEY

She's quietly says "I know" 

Now is not the time for a philosophical discussion about I know you know I know you know.

Then it seems the very next thing is she squirted me.

I didn't know her water hadn't broken yet. 

I wasn't ready for it.

I flinched and made sure my mouth wasn't open.

I really didn't know there was that much water. I'm soaked. I look to make sure the hose was shut off and I see my son's little beautiful head.  A bomb could have went off and it wouldn't have shook my focus

I told Vivian his head is out!!!! 

She again says she knows.

Now I have my hands gentle cradling his head waiting for the rest of his body.

She gives another shove and out he comes. 

He's big

He's heavy 

He's super slick slimy and sloppy. 

I catch him and he's yelling his appearance at me in the most wonderful little voice.

I get him head up and try to lift him up to momma.  It's like trying to hold onto a carp.

Momma reaches down for him and I butt lift him up.

What a beautiful thing.

By far the greatest thing I've ever participated in.

Our son was where he belonged 

On my wife's chest

Things from here get a little fuzzy for me.

My focus point was over 

My next task is to introduce the family and friends

Vivian goes to the bed holding our brand new son.

I'll never ever forget it 

Women fall in love with their babies while they are still in the womb.

Mom's get to know their children's habits and traits way before Dad does.

But I fell in love with him as soon as I seen him 

I was the first to hold him this side of the womb.

I will never ever forget it.

The Birth Village

Early Friday morning, before the first rays of sunlight spilled through the windows, I lay awake in my bed, meditating and praying—surrendering my day—when that first primal, familiar rolling wave surged through my 40+5 week pregnant body.  I joyfully welcomed it and its coming strength along with the rising sun. 

I connected with my midwife (whom after 3 births together is affectionately called Grandma by my children).  Then, I let my village know the day had finally arrived.   

I purposed myself on the task at hand and minded labor and before long our home was intoxicated delightful sounds and smells in anticipation of new life.

The sounds of four excited children ready to welcome their newest sibling radiated through every wall of the home, sounds of village voices tending to those precious souls, sounds of kitchen toiling and home tending bubbled over like fountains of joy.

Aromas of soups and breads being meddled together from whatever provisions were found in the kitchen began to filter through the home and smells of herbs being prepared for life-giving healing excited my spirit.

Just before noon, a break from the bustling about, a warm cup of coffee, and a walk in the sunshine was shared over words of love and encouragement.

And when River arrived, a little after 2pm, we were ushered into bed, greeted with juice and fresh fruit.  Yard flowers in mason jars adorned tables and stands.  And the village voices began to bustle about once more—minding the end of my labor, starting laundry, and feeding my family. 

As the evening came they each returned to their own homes and families and my heart was full—full with love for new life, and full with thanks for the village.